Sport

Philander ruled out of final Test vs Black Caps

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (AFP) — Match-winning opening bowler Vernon Philander was on Tuesday ruled out of the second and final Test against New Zealand, the Proteas' management said on Tuesday.

Philander, who will be replaced by Rory Kleinveldt for the match starting in Port Elizabeth on Friday, felt a recurrence of a left hamstring injury during the closing stages of the first Test in Cape Town last week.

The 27-year-old quick was named man of the match after taking five wickets for seven runs as New Zealand collapsed to 45 all out in the first innings. South Africa won the match by an innings and 27 runs.

Team manager and doctor Mohammed Moosajee said: "Vernon's hamstring strain will require a seven-to-10-day recovery period at the very least.

"Although he is responding to treatment received over the past few days, we feel it's unlikely that he'll recover in time."

Moosajee said the fact that South Africa will play three Test matches against Pakistan, starting on February 1, was a factor in reaching an early decision.